Firefighting With Henry's Model T

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Also known as the Tin Lizzie or Flivver, the Ford Model T is a vehicle that was created by Henry Ford's Ford Motor Company. The Model T was produced from 1908 through 1927, with 1908 being the automobile's most popular year. Due to a few of Ford's innovations, such as assembly line production rather than hand crafting, the Model T was regarded as the first "affordable automobile," allowing the middle-class American to travel.

In the 1920's, the Model T was on of the most widely used commercial chassis for fire apparatus. Former Fire Chief Bill Killen created "Firefighting with Henry's Model T," a book that recognized the Ford Model T's contributions to the fire service. Hundreds of color and black and white pictures of fire apparatus built on Ford Model T chassis by over twenty American and Canadian builders are included in this book.

"Well, there is no book on firefighting with Model T's. There are a lot of books about Model T's. There are a lot of books about firefighting. But no one ever wrote a book about firefighting with Henry's Model T. I wrote the book and published it, and shortly thereafter, hundreds of people began to call me and email me and say 'You missed this fire truck. You didn't talk about this one.' So, there's another second edition of this book in the future, but the important thing about this book is that all of the proceeds of this book went to six charities," explained Killen.

Proceeds from the sale of "Firefighting with Henry's Model T" will benefit the:

•    International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation: Represents over 1.2 million firefighters and emergency responders who are leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disaster, search and rescue and public safety legislation. The IAFC's mission is "To provide leadership to career and volunteer chiefs, chief fire officers, company officers and managers of emergency service organizations throughout the international community through vision, information, education, services and representation to enhance their professionalism and capabilities."

•    The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in Emmitsburg, Maryland, was developed by the United States Congress and has created and expanded programs to honor fallen fire service heroes and assist their families since 1992.

•    The National Fire Heritage Center: Retired California State Fire Marshal Ronny J. Coleman brought a group of individuals together for a meeting in 2006 to discuss the establishment of a Heritage Hall that would what protect the property of the American Fire Services. It was agreed that this non profit organization would be created and established in Emmitsburg, Maryland along with Four Charter Officers. The center has a primary goal to archive the history of the American Fire Service and Fire Protection Disciplines.

•    The Model T Ford Club of America Museum: Organized in 1965, this club was created to bring people together who are interested in the Model T Ford. In the United States, over one hundred chapters have been formed for fans of the Model T, including United States, Canada, Argentina, Australia, and Europe.

•    The Model T Ford Club International Foundation: John A. Stynoski of Chicago created this club in 1952 in order to further provide meetings, car meets, social functions and a newsletter to Model T fans. The State of Illinois incorporated the club as a non profit historical organization to preserve the Model T Ford's history.

•    Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation: A non-profit, registered organization made up of members of the Canadian Fire Service and interested citizens dedicated to honoring the fallen firefighters of Canada and their families. This organization relies completely on fundraising to operate with the directors of the Foundation receiving no salary.

"Firefighting with Henry's Model T", $24.95 plus shipping, is available at the Western Firefighters Book Store, through a Lang's or Schneider's Model T Catalogue, or by contacting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Killen has had many leadership roles in the fire service including over 30 years of experience as a Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief in Maryland, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington DC departments. Fire departments that he has worked for include Glen Echo Volunteer Fire Department, Bowie Volunteer Fire Department, Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, Lake Barton Fire Control District, Union Park Volunteer Fire Department and Potomac Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Killen has also been involved with numerous organizations such as the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Fire Protection Association.

Awards that Bill Killen has received:

•    2006 - Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service September
•    2004 - United States Navy Fire & Emergency Services Hall of Fame
•    2004 - Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award
•    2001 - Commission on Fire Accreditation International's Ray Picard Award
•    2001 - Commander, USS Cole Special Recognition Award
•    2000 - IAFC President's Award for Service
•    1985 - United Black Fund of Greater Washington DC Community Service Award
•    1984 - IAFC's Ben Franklin Fire Department Award
•    1982 - Federal Aviation Administration Special Achievement Award
•    1980 - Venezuelan Government Civil Aviation Fire Services Medal
•    1977 - Winter Park, FL Jaycees Good Government Award
•    1976 - Winter Park, FL Jaycees Cooper-Taylor Memorial Safety Award

For more information about Bill Killen and his publications, visit http://www.billkillen.net/index.html.


Author:Deanne Goodman - Video, Renιe Marquart - Text